The Australian controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.
European Momentum
Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar restrictions.
- Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
- Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
- Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
- In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
- In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
- The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian driving the initiative.
The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye
Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by robust research".
Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.
Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.
"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.
The US: A Decentralized Landscape
Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.
- Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
- The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
- The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
- The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.
Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.
Global Outlook
Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
- Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.
But, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.
As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.
